Actually, one of the reasons we chose the breed was because we have two cats and we wanted a dog who would most likely be safe around them. Our grown-up Bernese loves our kitties. Our puppy is still pretty annoying to them-but he's a puppy he annoys all animals, that's his job.
Conversely we used to have a roommate with a Husky and a husky cross and that was a disaster. Husky have really high prey drives and may make your cat live in fear most of the time. Berners tend to be more laid back with a lower prey drive.

As cat owners first, we had the same fear of introducing a Berner to our home as well (it's the reason we didn't get a dog sooner)

Our oldest cat recently died last March (which subsequently lead us to getting our puppy this summer) but we still have 3 cats over the age of 10, a 1-year-old himalayan and a 10-year old stray cat outside.

Our older cats have always HATED dogs but we have been pleasently surprised that theyv'e made the adjustment well. Although Heidi (our 8 month old Bener) likes to chase occasionally, with supervision we can keep her calm and friendly and prevent any scratches . The main advice would be for older cats is to make sure they still have a safe place to escape to where the dog can't reach them. It really helps keep them happy and the dog safe. Our modo is, the cats rule the house and the dog must obey their rules.

Funny enough, our himalayan kitten just LOVES playing with the dog. The two get into all sorts of trouble! (Sophie opens the dog cookie container and knocks it over so both she and Heidi can steal treats ) Sophie's other favorite pass times are trying to catch Heidi's white-tipped tail (too priceless!) and licking off the yogurt we put on Heidi's food. Definitlely first-hand proof that younger cats/kittens are probably better adjusted than older cats who are not used to dogs.

However, our best story is about the neighbourhood stray cat, Rory. This little cat is extremely aggressive to other dogs and protects our yard passionately. When we first got Heidi, she actually scratched Heidi on the nose (very mildly) but that was all Heidi needed to learn respect. Since then, the two have a mutual understanding. They sit in our front yard and stand gaurd together, side-by-side. No dog is allowed to enter without first passing inspection and the pair even sleep together (a real miracle). Although Rory will occasionally swat if Heidi gets too rowdy, the pair are now our unofficial guardians.

With proper supervision, some rules and a good first introduction, both cats and a Berner can definitely live happily together - at least for us.
Good luck with your cats!

p.s. Here's a pic of Sophie trying to catch Heidi's tail

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My Berner has chased our barn cat but if they stopped he would just sniff them I wouldnt be too worried but i would keep an I on them.

Actually, we to have the same situation. We have an 8 year old cat, and were wondering how she would do if we brought a dog in. We also chose the Bernese breed for the fact that they are supposed to be good with cats and have a lower prey drive.

Our cat has been the only pet in our house so far and she is very attached to us, so i want to make sure she would be accepting of a Berner. She has a great personality, and i think she might welcome having a friend.......I hope!.....LOL

I got a kitten when my berner was 4 years old. The kitten loves the dog..they have some sort of secret communication going on. They sleep together and, I believe the cat may think it is a small berner..he drinks out of the dogs dish and the dog is very tolerent of the cats headbuts

When we brought Ollie home we only had one of our three cats left and he was getting on in years and not been use to facing a dog on his own without the back up of his two friends.

It was fine Bruno soon showed Ollie who was the boss and when Bruno went out one day never to return Ollie did miss him they had been living together about two years by then. Ollie does not chase cats when he sees them and he loves to try to get near to black cats or rather he did when he was able to go on walks I feel sure he thinks every black cat may be his missing friend.

We have two berners, one older and one just a pup. We also have two cats. The cats keep the puppy in check. Our older dog, Rio, is quite friendly with both the cats. They will lay together and nap. Thea, the younger, is still a bit curious but she is learning. It takes time for them to get used to one another, but I am confident a good relationship will come.